Public Statements

King Votes to Send Brennan Nomination to Senate Floor

Statement

U.S. Senator Angus S. King, Jr. (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement today after voting to report John O. Brennan's nomination for Director of the Central Intelligence Agency out of committee and to the Senate floor where a final confirmation vote will occur at a later date:

"We are at a moment in history when threats from across the globe continue to challenge our nation at every turn. The magnitude of the danger inherent in those threats necessitates firm and objective leadership. I believe that John Brennan, with his distinguished record of service and his substantial experience and expertise, is the right choice to lead the courageous men and women of the Central Intelligence Agency at this critical moment.

"I had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Brennan personally and to discuss his nomination with key officials from within the Intelligence Community. I also questioned him during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee. I was not only impressed with his answers, particularly his commitment to maintaining an open and candid relationship with our committee, but I was also encouraged by his willingness to work with me to bolster the decision-making process surrounding U.S. counterterrorism operations -- an effort that the President himself embraced during his State of the Union Address.

"In the final analysis, I am tremendously confident in Mr. Brennan and believe he will be a strong and effective leader for the Central Intelligence Agency."